17 Amazing Herbs for Endometriosis

Living with endometriosis is a reality for many women, including myself. This chronic pain disorder can have many layers to it, and can make it hard to manage. From chronic pelvic pain, irregular menstrual cycles, to a host of other challenging symptoms, it can seem like a rollercoaster ride. But there are natural ways to find relief. There are herbs for endometriosis pain relief, and this is what you need to know about them:

Today, we delve into the world of herbal remedies that offer relief and support for those navigating the complexities of endometriosis. There is a lot of ancient wisdom and modern science to discover, but this is your starting point.

Personal Journey with Using Herbs for Endometriosis

My personal journey with endometriosis started with a lot of pain. My diagnosis of stage IV endometriosis was over 10 years ago, but I knew well before my diagnosis that something wasn’t right. I started by taking the medical recommendations that my doctor offered, only to realize I had to make a lifestyle change to become pain-free on my journey. I focused on getting my body to an optimal level of health through vitamins, and that is when I first saw my sign of real pain relief!

After that, I started focusing on herbs. Burdock root was my first herbal focus. I started drinking burdock root tea every morning. And it was then that I finally started feeling like a brand new person. For the first time in my life, I wasn’t anxious about my cycle coming on. I had PMS symptom relief, and no prelude of pain a week before my menstruation.

I then started yoni steaming with self-care herbs that helped relax my cervix. This helped me reduce my cortisol levels and find a place of calm during peak hormonal changes.

And then, I was able to layer my herbal journey with endometriosis based on what phase I was in my cycle, how I was feeling, and what my health goal was for each year. Be it managing pain, helping with fertility, maintaining my energy levels, or lowering stress and inflammation, there was an herb to help me along the way.

Best Herbs for Endometriosis

The following is a key list of herbs that I found to be helpful with endometriosis:

1. Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus)
2. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
3. Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)
4. Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus)
5. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
6. Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus)
7. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
8. Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
9. Marijuana (Cannabis sativa)
10. Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)
11. White Peony (Paeonia lactiflora)
12. Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)
13. Pine Bark (Pinus pinaster)
14. Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
15. Rhodiola (Rhodiola Rosea)
16. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
17. Spearmint (Mentha spicata)

How Herbs Help with Endometriosis

Now let’s break down the list above, and explain just how each herb can help on your endometriosis journey.

Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus)

Chasteberry is an herbal medicine with a history of having the ability to regulate hormonal imbalances, a key factor in endometriosis management. With anti-inflammatory properties and potential effects on lowering prolactin levels, chasteberry may ease the pain and reduce the severity of symptoms, making it a cornerstone in natural therapies for women’s health.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Known for its vibrant color and powerful antioxidant properties, turmeric is a immune system boosting herb. It contains curcumin, a compound with strong anti-inflammatory effects, beneficial for managing chronic pelvic pain associated with endometriosis. Clinical research supports its use as part of a holistic approach to pain management.

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)

A staple in traditional Chinese medicine, Dong Quai, AKA “female ginseng”, has properties that benefit in supporting women’s reproductive health. Improving blood circulation and flow. And, reducing pain. Approach this powerful hormone-like effecting herb with caution and under professional guidance.

Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus)

As the name suggests, cramp bark is effective in relieving menstrual cramps, one of the primary symptoms of endometriosis. Its muscle relaxant properties can also alleviate lower back pain, contributing to its reputation as a medicinal plant with significant benefits for menstrual cycle discomfort.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities, making it a natural choice for pain relief in endometriosis sufferers. Beyond easing painful periods, ginger can improve digestive discomfort, a common complaint among those with endometriosis.

Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)

With its detoxifying effects, burdock root supports liver function and hormonal balance. This medicinal plant may also aid in improving bowel movements, a benefit for women experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms due to endometriosis.

White Peony (Paeonia lactiflora)

In combination with other herbs, white peony has been shown in small studies to help in managing endometriosis symptoms. This Chinese herbal medicine can potentially alleviate pain and support hormone therapy.

Pine Bark (Pinus pinaster)

Pine bark contains potent antioxidant properties and has been studied for its effects on endometriosis-related pain. A small study suggests that its anti-inflammatory benefits can complement natural therapies for chronic conditions.

Marijuana (Cannabis sativa)

Increasingly recognized for its pain management capabilities, marijuana and products like CBD oil offer promise for those with endometriosis. The cannabinoids found in marijuana interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to reduce pain and inflammation.

Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)

Among the most revered health-enhancing beverages globally, green tea stands out for its rich antioxidant properties, particularly due to its high content of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This potent compound offers a myriad of health benefits, making green tea a vital addition to the arsenal of natural remedies for managing endometriosis symptoms.

Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)

High in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), evening primrose is used to help manage the pain and inflammation associated with endometriosis. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a type of omega-6 fatty acid, evening primrose oil is often used to support hormonal health and manage PMS symptoms.

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Milk thistle is known for its liver-supportive properties. It may help the body process and eliminate excess hormones, which can contribute to the symptoms of endometriosis.

Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus)

This herb is traditionally used for its uterine strengthening and toning properties. While more research is needed, it’s thought to help reduce menstrual bleeding and cramping.

Maca (Lepidium meyenii)

Maca is an adaptogen that’s said to support overall hormonal balance. It’s believed to help improve libido and fertility, and some individuals find changes in menstrual cycle regularity and symptoms with endometriosis.

Rhodiola (Rhodiola Rosea)

Rhodiola is known for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body resist physical, chemical, and environmental stress. It may help improve the body’s stress response, indirectly supporting hormonal balance and the health of the endocrine system.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

As an adaptogen, ashwagandha helps the body manage stress, which can positively affect hormonal balance, including supporting progesterone levels indirectly by improving adrenal health and reducing cortisol levels.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata)

Spearmint has been studied for its ability to impact hormonal balance. And, it particularly in reducing free testosterone levels in women. By helping to regulate hormones naturally, spearmint can aid in alleviating some of the hormonal symptoms associated with endometriosis. It is also a good herb to mix with the above options, as it is believed to help the body absorb nutrients.

Ways to Use Herbs in Your Health Journey

Integrating these herbs into your daily routine can vary from teas and supplements to tinctures and topical oils. Listening to your body and consulting healthcare professionals is crucial, especially when combining natural and conventional treatments.

Some herbs can affect the potency of medicines. For instance, chasteberry can lower the effectiveness of birth control. Women of reproductive age should have a goal and plan when using traditional herbal medicines.

Please keep a list of all herbs you are incorporating into your regimen and have regular conversations with your doctor and health coach about them on your journey.

Notes of Using Herbs for Endometriosis

The above list of herbs is just that, a list! Using all herbs at once is not a recommendation. This is the start of your research. And, it is important to listen to your body on this journey. See how your body responds to one or two herbs at a time, and get to the root causes of endometriosis and pain on your journey.

Causes of Endometriosis

Determine if your body is responding to herbs based on your endometriosis symptoms. Some indviduals may find that herbs focusing on lowering estrogen levels and raising progesterone levels helps the most. While others may find herbs focusing on inflammatory respones and lowering inflammation and stress levels is best for their journey.

I talked about this during my interview with Dr. Carey. You can find the interview here: Tackling Endometriosis Myths with Dr. Carey

Endometriosis Treatment

Having endometriosis is a lifestyle, which means it is important to focus on a holistic approach when looking for alternative treatments for severe pain. Herbs can be an amazing option for alternative therapies to conventional medicine.

Natural Treatments for Endometriosis

Other things to keep in mind when looking for pain-relief on your endometriosis journey is having an anti-inflammatory diet and ensuring you are getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay balanced. Here are two areas to explore on the blog to help you with that:

• Dietary Supplements for Endometriosis
• Anti-Inflammatory Smoothies for Endometriosis

More Health & Wellness

If you are looking for more inspiration on your endometriosis journey, here is where you can start:

• What is endometriosis? What are the stages?
• Endometriosis Pantry Guide
• 7 Life-Changing Facts About Endometriosis
• The Perfect Smoothie for Endometriosis Flares
• 50 Natural Remedies for Period Cramps